The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a deep sensual wine imbued with generous layers of ripe dark fruit that emerge from its medium to full-bodied frame. This gorgeous, expressive Brunello turns richer and weightier in the glass as the fruit begins to emerge, finally building to a harmonious crescendo of intense flavor. There is more than enough fruit here to support extended cellaring. This is a magnificent effort from Andrea Cortonesi. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. I was blown away with the wines I tasted at Uccelliera this year. Proprietor Andrea Cortonesi showed me the entirety of his Brunellos in cask, which provided fascinating insights into the evolution of this small, family-run property. To be honest, I had never been a huge fan of Cortonesi’s Brunellos until the 2004 vintage, as I often found the wines excessively heavy. Not coincidentally, 2004 is the first year Cortonesi worked with lower temperatures in fermentation which resulted in wines of superb elegance and delineation. Uccelliera is now without question one of the handful of top producers in Montalcino. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Asphalt and tar on the nose, with lots of dried dark fruits. Full and very powerful, with layers of chewy tannins and masses of fruit. Really needs time to mellow and come together. But it's all there. A blockbuster. Balanced and fabulous. Best after 2012. 500 cases made, 210 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Uccelliera is among an elite group that represents the best of the best of Montalcino. This gorgeous wine is intense and generous with nice concentration and layered aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice, blackberry and plum. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich and the wine promises many happy years ahead. A Marc de Grazia selection; various American importers. ——M.L.(10/1/2010)—— 95